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Our Catholic community traces its origins back to 1930 when it was established within a modest chapel situated in the newly constructed Canadian Martyrs' School. For several years, its activities were sporadic in nature.
In 1949, Reverend John Noonan became our inaugural pastor, solidifying the foundation of our now well-established parish. By 1951, the construction of the rectory was finalized. At this time, efforts shifted towards the construction of a dedicated church for the Canadian Martyrs' parish.
Initially, only a basement church was constructed. The blessing of the cornerstone took place in November 1952, and the dedication of the finished structure was on May 23, 1953.
Ten years after the completion of the basement section, Bishop Ryan presided over the final dedication ceremony on September 22, 1963, which celebrated the completion of the main church.
The church has undergone numerous transformations over time. In 1975, the basement was refurbished to accommodate a church hall. In 2022, a significant revitalization initiative, known as the Cornerstone Project, was concluded. This comprehensive endeavour involved the renovation of the church, basement hall, and grounds. It also encompassed the removal of the old rectory house and the establishment of a new student center, offices, and rectory.
The parish's rich history is intertwined with countless cherished recollections held by its members. Many have borne witness to the evolution of our Catholic community, from a chapel within the school to the church and student centre we proudly stand in today.
Archival Photographs
Canadian Martyrs has served the community, and university as chaplaincy since 1949.
Original architectural rendering
Lead builder, Leonard Strohmeyer, (father of Fr. Leonard Strohmeyer, who would eventually be pastor of Canadian Martyrs) consulting blueprints…
Procession for the Mass of Dedication, upon completion of the basement church (24 May 1953).
Bishop J. Ryan, celebrating the Mass of Dedication
The community at the Mass of Dedication of the basement church.
Original ambo (damage to top of photo)
Cornerstone Project
Take a look through the archives, and see the progression of the Cornerstone Project. In the works for quite some time prior, the Cornerstone Project broke ground in November 2019.
